7 beauty insiders on how lockdown transformed their beauty regimens
Discovering new and beneficial beauty, skin and self-care regimes has been one of the more positive outcomes of the past year. Here, NEWBY HANDS asked seven women to share the inspiring and simple changes they have made to their own beauty routines
Dr. Maryam Zamani, plastic surgeon and founder of MZ Skin, on her new morning skin regime that’s delivered results
“Looking ahead, I won’t be able to keep up my morning workouts, but I will still take an extra 15 minutes to look after my skin. I’ve found that the morning is definitely the best time for using devices, such as gua sha, as you have been lying down for maybe eight hours and there might be fluid sitting under your skin. Also, the skin is dehydrated when you wake up, so using a hydrating mask gives it that pop of moisture. I’ve also been using my ampoules more regularly and I’ve really noticed the difference. I alternate – one week on, one week off – using the Glow Boost for the face one time, the Brightening Eye ampoules the next. I’ve also added in some microneedling, and then the gua sha or a face roller. It’s absolutely something I am taking forward.”
Stylist Monikh Dale on how a focused regimen transformed her skin and her confidence
“During the past year, rather than piling everything on my skin, I had the time to work out what it needs, rather than simply using every new, cool product. And the change has been amazing. I’ve become obsessed with not wearing makeup, as I now feel so confident and comfortable with my face. My biggest problem used to be blemishes that left marks on my skin – so, rather than covering them up, I concentrated on making my skin better. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare does a great Professional Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel, which I used twice a week – and it peeled away some of the scarring. It was life-changing for me. Now I use his Alpha Beta Daily Peel pads for consistency. I also did a lot of LED with the MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment device – I’d recommend light therapy to everyone. I’ve also become obsessed with Sunday Riley products – when I use her C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, I see the difference straight away. Before, my approach was all about creating an illusion and changing how I looked. Now, I feel at ease with how I am.”
“I’ve become obsessed with not wearing makeup, as I now feel so confident and comfortable with my face
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Aesthetician Joanna Czech on virtual workouts and rejuvenating her hands
“Virtual training is now a constant in my routine. I have a gym in my building, but it takes me only three minutes to go from the bedroom to the living room, press a few buttons and I’m working out with my own trainer online. I’m keeping my virtual workouts long-term, as my trainer is in Long Island and I travel between New York and Dallas. The other change I’ve made is simple, but the results have been incredible. With all the constant use of sanitizers, my hands had becomes so dehydrated, so I began treating them like my face – with exfoliators and hydrating creams. I use them in the evening and then put on white cotton gloves that I wear until I go to sleep. I never did all this before, but I can really see the difference.”
Nigma Talib, naturopathic doctor and founder of Nigma Talib ND, on how a new bath routine helps her sleep better than ever
“I recently started using Epsom salt baths at night and they are so helpful – especially if my muscles are tight. I add the salts, and sometimes some lavender (it lowers cortisol if you’re wired but tired), and then relax back in the warm water. It clears everything away and gives me a clean slate – mentally and physically – to end the day with. Sometimes I do a guided meditation, listen to a podcast or use a face mask – these have all become a real part of my evening and I don’t think I could let go of them now. I love this new habit. Afterwards, I go straight to bed and – oh my gosh – I sleep so well now. I never used to wake up feeling fully refreshed, but now I feel as though I’ve really slept.”
“I never used to wake up feeling fully refreshed, but now I feel as though I’ve really slept
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Marianna Hewitt, co-founder of Summer Fridays, shares how a new, slower start sets her up for a better day ahead
“For the first time, I now have an actual morning routine, which helps me have a slower start to my day – and that carries over to everything I then do. Instead of rushing out of bed to get ready, and running out the door, I now make my bed, meditate, write in my journal and have some time for myself. Also, I’ve invested in a lot of at-home devices. My favorite is LED, which I use at night before I go to bed. It’s beneficial for the skin and is also so relaxing, it helps me fall asleep.”
Katie Brindle, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of Hayo’u, on making more time for yourself
“The one thing that most of us have had recently is more time – and it’s good to find a way to take that forward. Even as we get busier, we can still give ourselves just one minute every day – whether it’s to meditate, do some breathing exercises or gua sha. We commit to cleaning our teeth twice a day, so why not also now commit to giving just one minute every day to doing something mindful and positive, that’s purely for yourself?”
“We commit to cleaning our teeth twice a day, so why not also now commit to giving just one minute every day to doing something mindful and positive, that’s purely for yourself?
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Dr. Lara Devgan, cosmetic surgeon and founder of Dr. Lara Devgan skincare, on how to fit everything into your routine
“I’ve committed to the power of including tiny things into my routine – an eight-minute workout, a five-minute look at the headlines, a podcast in the shower, reading seven pages a day and, perhaps my favorite, 10 minutes of ‘alone time’ at my vanity mirror to apply my serums and creams. In the past, it has felt overwhelming trying to do all the things I wanted to do, but now, I’ve had more time to focus on adapting my schedule to fit everything in, so I don’t forget the things I enjoy the most.”